After trying and failing to trade the two-time Pro Bowler, the Commanders will now release Allen in a move that will save them nearly $16.5 million against the cap this season. Allen, 30, suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle last season and was limited to eight regular season games as a result. He returned in time for the postseason, where he totaled 10 pressures and eight quarterback hurries in three games, per PFF, and should generate plenty of interest as teams look to upgrade their defensive fronts.

The Patriots having a chance to pursue Godwin will depend on whether or not the Buccaneers can re-sign the veteran receiver before the start of the new league year. Godwin is coming off a season-ending ankle injury, but could fetch upwards of $25 million per year, according to Giardi. Before his injury, Godwin was playing some of the best football of his career, his 50-576-5 line over seven games had him on pace for a career-year. An underwhelming free agent market and a surplus of wideout-needy teams could lead to an eye-opening contract for Godwin.

Bernard becomes the second Bills player to get a long-term extension this offseason after the team gave Khalil Shakir a four-year extension worth up to $60.2 million last week. Bernard, who was a third-round pick back in 2022, totaled 104 tackles, five TFLs, and one sack in 13 games last season, and has totaled 100-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons. A staple for a defense that ranked 11th in points allowed and 17th in total yards, Bernard is now under contract through the 2029 season.

The Raiders are doing everything they can to improve their quarterback room ahead of next season. They were in on the idea of trading for Matthew Stafford before he decided to remain with the Rams, but are still willing to explore the trade market for another veteran starter if the price is right. One player to watch could be Geno Smith, who is in the final year of his current deal with the Seahawks and spent four seasons with Pete Carroll in Seattle. The Raiders are expected to be players for Sam Darnold, so it’s possible they don’t pursue a trade until Darnold finds a new home. Either way, it’s clear they hope to take a massive leap at quarterback in hopes of keeping pace with a division that already features Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix.

Things are getting good, here. Garrett reportedly discussed a meeting with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, only for Haslam to decline to speak with the All-Pro pass rusher. Garrett is dug in on his desire to be traded, while the Browns “from ownership to GM to coach,” per Pelissero, are dug in on not trading him. The Browns have floated the possibility of extending Garrett with a big contract, but Garrett’s focus seems to be solely on winning a championship. He doesn’t think that will happen in Cleveland in 2025. Unless this ends with an abrupt trade, the situation will probably remain ugly for the foreseeable future.

“At a manageable number,” that is. We suppose stranger things have happened, but as the only available proven starting quarterback under the age of 30, a “manageable number” probably isn’t going to happen on the open market. Even if the sides do somehow manage to find the right number, all things being equal, Darnold would probably prefer a situation without J.J. McCarthy breathing down his neck. We still strongly expect Darnold to sign elsewhere next week.

Schneider also said “everything is in a very cordial, professional place” with the wideout, and that he understands a deal might not come to fruition. “Obviously DK has requested a trade and we are entertaining that,” Schneider continued. “We are talking to a ton of teams, taking offers, seeing what that looks like.’' It’s a level of candor you don’t usually get from an executive regarding a potential trade, making it easier to take Schneider at his word that basically everything is on the table with the star wideout. It would seem both sides prefer a fresh start at this point, and with the free agent receiver market typically weak, Seattle could be able to approach its rumored first- and third-round pick asking price.

Engram is on the wrong side of 30 and finished 2024-25 on injured reserve with a serious shoulder injury, but it’s a bit surprising for a team suddenly running low on depth behind dazzling young gun Brian Thomas Jr. Engram, of course, is only one season removed from catching a whopping 114 passes. The move saves “just” $5.98 million against the cap, leaving behind a sizable dead cap charge of $13.5 million. $6 million is not nothing, however, while new GM James Gladstone recently praised Brenton Strange. The Jags clearly think they are getting out ahead of any potential Engram decline, and are more than fine featuring Strange, who could now offer 2025 TE1 appeal. For his part, Engram rockets to the top of a sorry free agent tight end class. He will probably find a new home before the “legal tampering” period even begins on Monday. Cut players are free to sign immediately.

Lombardi points out the fact that Aiyuk’s contract has a $20 million guarantee that kicks in April 1, that would give the Niners some time to deal the star receiver if they desired to do so. The main issue in trading Aiyuk is his uncertain timeline to return in 2025 after his Week 7 ACL tear. It’s hard to imagine any team wanting to take on Aiyuk given his injury and the money still remaining on his deal. While Lombardi doesn’t think a deal is unlikely, he did point out that the 49ers are not giving “a firm no” to teams who may inquire about a trade.

A day after learning he would be released, Kirk now has a new home in Houston. The wide receiver-needy Texans gave up virtually nothing to acquire the veteran slot receiver. Kirk is on the final year of a four-year, $72 million deal he signed in 2022, and will slot in as Houston’s No. 2 receiver behind Nico Collins. Kirk’s last two seasons have been plagued with injuries, as he has played just 20 games and ended each year on injured reserve. Kirk has played over 75 percent of his snaps from the slot since 2021 and will likely play a similar role for the Texans next season. While he should make for a solid addition, the Texans would still benefit from adding another outside receiver this offseason.